State News

6:17 am

Tue July 30, 2013

Stanley Cup makes trip to Springfield

The white-gloved handler of the Stanley Cup poses with a life-size replica of the Lincoln family on Monday at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. The Cup was in the capital for an invitation-only event, though fans had an opportunity to pose for photos as it was taken out of the museum.

Credit Brian Mackey / Illinois Public Radio

The Stanley Cup has made a trip to Illinois' capital city. It made an appearance Monday at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield just weeks after the Blackhawks won it for the second time in four seasons.

There was an event for invited guests including politicians and military personnel. Also on hand was team chairman Rocky Wirtz.

"The fans have been terrific. You realize that there is hockey south of I-80, and that's what's nice. It's nice to come down to the state capital. We had it, last time, in the Capitol and we went over to the governor's mansion. So this was really great, it's a great treat. First time I've been to the museum, and I really enjoyed it."

Governor Pat Quinn was at the event, as was state Senator Bill Brady, the Bloomington Republican who's making a second run for the governor's office.

The public had a brief a chance to see the Cup and pose for pictures as it was taken out of the museum.